Millions of New Yorkers and visitors lined Manhattan’s streets early Thursday as the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off, filling the city with music, color, and a strong sense of holiday tradition. Families bundled up against the chill to watch giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performers wind their way from the Upper West Side to Herald Square.
Crowds, traditions and family memories
Spectators arrived before sunrise to secure spots along the 2.5‑mile route, many of them describing the parade as a cherished family ritual. Parents talked about bringing their children to experience the same magic they remembered from their own childhoods, while first‑time visitors soaked in the sights and sounds of one of New York City’s biggest annual spectacles.
For many, the parade marked the unofficial start of the holiday season, a moment to pause, be together, and celebrate before heading home to Thanksgiving meals. Viewers at street level waved at clowns and costumed characters, snapped photos of favorite balloons, and cheered loudly as celebrity performers and Broadway casts rolled by on towering floats.
Balloons, floats and star performers
This year’s 99th edition of the parade featured more than 30 giant character balloons, including both returning icons and new designs inspired by movies, streaming hits, and video games. Dozens of floats carried singers, dancers, and special guests, with the lineup ranging from pop stars and country artists to cast members from Broadway shows and animated franchises.
A total of 11 marching bands from across the United States and abroad joined the procession, bringing high‑energy performances and intricate formations to the city’s avenues. The Radio City Rockettes and other New York–based performers returned for signature numbers that blended nostalgia with big‑production spectacle.
Weather, safety and behind-the-scenes work
Paradegoers enjoyed sunshine and seasonable November chill, though gusty winds kept organizers and balloon handlers busy monitoring conditions to keep the massive inflatables steady. City officials had warned that stronger winds could force some balloons to fly lower than usual or, in extreme cases, be grounded, but conditions stayed within safe limits as the event got underway.
The New York Police Department and city agencies deployed thousands of officers and support staff along the route, with visible barriers, bag checks, and other security measures in place. Officials said there were no specific threats tied to the parade, but emphasized that both seen and unseen precautions were being taken to protect the millions in attendance.
A nationwide holiday spectacle
Beyond the streets of Manhattan, tens of millions of viewers watched live on television and streaming platforms, continuing a nearly century‑long Thanksgiving tradition. Network coverage showcased sweeping views of the city, close‑ups of performers, and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of the balloon inflation and early‑morning preparations.
As always, the parade saved one of its most anticipated moments for last: the arrival of Santa Claus at Herald Square, signaling that the holiday season has truly begun. For families in New York and across the country, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade delivered a familiar mix of nostalgia, spectacle, and shared joy at a time of year built around gratitude.